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Abyss Ab 1266 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£5,280
  • Avg. price in US: ~$6,000
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Abyss Ab 1266 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.0

Sound

20.0%

3.8

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £5,280

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC is a premier open-back planar magnetic headphone renowned for its 'speaker-like' presentation and ultra-premium CNC-machined aluminum construction. It features patented 66mm drivers with a frequency response of 5 Hz to 30 kHz, a nominal impedance of 47–50 ohms, and a sensitivity of 88 dB/mW, weighing in at 640 grams. Its main characteristics include an unconventional 'floating' headband design, high-quality lambskin ear pads with magnetic positioning, and a durable ceramic coating. Proponents praise its world-class macro-dynamics, legendary 'concussive' bass impact, and an expansive soundstage that rivals high-end two-channel audio systems. However, its significant cons include a polarizing and often difficult-to-adjust fit, an extreme requirement for high-power amplification, a heavily colored midrange that may require equalization for tonal accuracy, and a very high price point.

Technical Specifications of Abyss Ab 1266

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.8
Abyss Ab 1266 has a technical score of 3.78 points, which is lower than that of 89.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Abyss Ab 1266 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

2.9
Abyss Ab 1266 has a quality-to-price ratio of 2.9 points, which is lower than 99.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Abyss Ab 1266 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

66 mm
Abyss Ab 1266 uses a driver size of 66 mm, larger driver size than 97% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Abyss Ab 1266 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Abyss Ab 1266 reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Abyss Ab 1266 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Abyss Ab 1266 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Abyss Ab 1266 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Abyss Ab 1266 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Abyss Ab 1266 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Abyss Ab 1266 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Abyss
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

640 g
Abyss Ab 1266 weighs 640 g, heavier than 99.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Abyss Ab 1266 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Abyss Ab 1266 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Abyss Ab 1266 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 26 mm larger driver size
    Abyss Ab 1266 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (66 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Abyss Ab 1266 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (66 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.66 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Abyss Ab 1266 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Abyss Ab 1266 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
  • Foldable design
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Abyss Ab 1266 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup width
    Abyss Ab 1266 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (56 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Abyss Ab 1266 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (56 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.56 mm vs 43 mm
  • 1.3 m more useful cable length
    Abyss Ab 1266 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Abyss Ab 1266 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Abyss Ab 1266 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Foldable design
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup width
    Abyss Ab 1266 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (56 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 1.3 m more useful cable length
    Abyss Ab 1266 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Abyss Ab 1266 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 26 mm larger driver size
    Abyss Ab 1266 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (66 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 40x higher input power handling
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (4,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.

Total
Design
Sound
  • 2.94x higher weight
    Abyss Ab 1266 is heavier than the average headphone (640 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Abyss Ab 1266 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Abyss Ab 1266 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 14 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (88 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 15 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (88 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Abyss Ab 1266 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 4 years older release date
    Abyss Ab 1266 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2013
  • No passive noise reduction
    Abyss Ab 1266 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Abyss Ab 1266 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.94x higher weight
    Abyss Ab 1266 is heavier than the average headphone (640 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Abyss Ab 1266 is heavier than the average headphone (640 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.640 g vs 218 g
  • 14 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (88 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Abyss Ab 1266 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (88 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.88 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Abyss Ab 1266 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 58.67x more expensive
    Abyss Ab 1266 is more expensive than the average headphone (£5,280 vs £90).
    Abyss Ab 1266 is more expensive than the average headphone (£5,280 vs £90).£5,280 vs £90
  • 2.28x worse value for money
    Abyss Ab 1266 has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.95 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Abyss Ab 1266 has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.95 vs 6.736).2.95 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Abyss Ab 1266 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Abyss Ab 1266 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Abyss Ab 1266 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Abyss Ab 1266 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Abyss Ab 1266 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Abyss Ab 1266?

  • Unmatched bass 'slam' and physical impact that mimics a high-end speaker system
  • Exceptional transparency and detail retrieval, often compared to top-tier electrostatic headphones
  • Vast and expansive soundstage that provides a unique 'outside-the-head' listening experience
  • Highly modular and customizable fit through a bendable metal frame and magnetic earpads
  • Bulletproof build quality featuring all-metal construction and high-quality ceramic finishes
  • Impressive macrodynamics and speed, making them ideal for high-energy genres like rock and EDM

What customers dislike about Abyss Ab 1266?

  • Extremely high price point, often exceeding $5,000, which many find hard to justify
  • Polarising, industrial design frequently described as looking like a 'medieval torture device'
  • Very heavy (approx. 640g), which can lead to neck fatigue for some users
  • Fiddly and non-intuitive fit process; sound quality is highly dependent on finding the perfect air gap
  • Extreme power requirements necessitate expensive, high-wattage amplification to sound their best
  • Recessed or 'unnatural' midrange that may not suit listeners of vocal-focused or classical music
  • Supplied cables are often criticized for being stiff, heavy, or ergonomically awkward

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
09/08/2013
Abyss Headphones AB-1266 Reviews

The Abyss AB-1266 planar magnetic headphones feature a robust, all-metal USA-made design, widely lauded on Head-Fi for exceptional modular adjustability and build quality. Sonically, they offer a tremendous soundstage, rapid transient dynamics, and a highly customizable, visceral "skull-slamming" bass response, making them a top-tier performer in technical audio capabilities....Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
22/04/2014
Abyss AB-1266 Planar-Magnetic Headphones

The Abyss AB-1266 planar magnetic headphones are described by The Absolute Sound as an elite, $5,495 component delivering extraordinary resolution, low-level detail, and a wide, open soundstage through an innovative single-sided magnet structure. These open-back headphones, designed with a robust, low-carbon steel frame and specialized diaphragms, produce visceral bass and...Read more

E
enjoythemusic.com
01/04/2016
Abyss AB-1266 Planar Magnetic Headphones By JPS Labs Review

The Abyss AB-1266 planar magnetic headphones ($5,995) by JPS Labs offer a highly transparent, tonally beautiful, and incredibly fun listening experience that mimics a full high-end home stereo system. A major standout feature is its powerful planar magnetic driver design, which delivers an endless sub-bass extension, immense dynamic punch, and exceptional instrument separation on...Read more

H
hifiplus.com
27/02/2014
Abyss AB-1266 planar magnetic headphones

In his review for Hi-Fi+, Chris Martens lauds the Abyss AB-1266 planar magnetic headphones as a stunning achievement that establishes a new benchmark for top-tier audio performance. He highlights several major pros, most notably its stupendous bass performance—which offers an unmatched combination of low-frequency weight, power, transient speed, and control without being overblown....Read more

H
hifitest.de
12/11/2017
Abyss AB 1266 Phi - Hi-Fi Headphones Review - hifitest.de

The Abyss AB 1266 Phi is an open-back, magnetostatic over-ear headphone handmade in the USA by JPS Labs, retailing for approximately 5,000 Euro. In this updated "Phi" version, the manufacturer heavily reworked the magnetic driver structures, yielding a lower impedance of 42 Ohms and a slightly higher efficiency of 88 dB compared to its predecessor. Designed with an uncompromising...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
24/09/2014
Abyss AB-1266 hi-fi headphones review

The Abyss AB-1266 open-back magnetostatic headphone, reviewed by Dr. Martin Mertens for hifitest.de, is a statement audio piece from the American brand JPS Labs that commands a massive price tag of approximately 6,000 Euros. On the positive side (Pros), the headphone delivers uncompromised, reference-class sound performance with incredible dynamic response, spectacular resolution,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
musicalhead.de
30/04/2019
ABYSS AB1266 PHI TC Review - Musicalhead

The review by Fidelio from Musicalhead crowns the Abyss AB1266 Phi TC as an "endgame" audio solution and the new "king of the headphone Olympus," narrowly dethroning the long-standing leader, the HiFiMan Susvara. Tested using an ultra-premium setup featuring the Riviera AIC10 amplifier and an Auralic streaming stack, the reviewer notes that the "Total Consciousness" (TC) iteration...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
audio-offensive.de
01/03/2017
American and Crazy: Abyss AB 1266 Phi – EAR IN / Audio Offensive", "Crazy American Style: Abyss AB 1266 Phi – EAR IN / Audio Offensive

The provided German review from the Audio Offensive website evaluates the ultra-high-end Abyss AB-1266 open-back planar magnetic headphones, detailing its unique design philosophy, premium packaging, and breathtaking sonic performance. The reviewer notes that for its premium price tag—ranging from €5,000 to €6,000—the manufacturer Joe Subinski of JPS Labs packs the product like...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
musicalhead.de
03/05/2018
Review: ABYSS DIANA vs. ABYSS AB1266 PHI – Musicalhead", "Testing ABYSS DIANA vs. ABYSS AB1266 PHI – Musicalhead

The Abyss Diana is a highly musical, portable planar magnetic headphone that offers exceptional transient response, neutral mid-range tonal clarity, and lightning-fast, unexaggerated bass. Weighing just 330 grams, it features premium leather/Alcantara materials and a remarkably resonant-free aircraft-grade aluminum frame. However, its rigid headband design lacks vertical adjustment,...Read more

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fairaudio.de
07/12/2020
Not pretty, but exceptionally good", "Ugly but incredibly good

This fairaudio review compares premium over-ear headphones to high-end in-ear monitors (IEMs), with prices spanning €999 to €5,450, to evaluate if portable options can challenge full-sized systems. Over-ear models, such as the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC and Meze Empyrean, are praised for their expansive soundstages, natural, rich midrange, and superior, long-term comfort. fairaudio...Read more

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headphone.shop
27/10/2024
From the Community – Abyss 1266 PHI TC Review – headphone.shop

The Abyss 1266 PHI TC, as reviewed on Headphone Shop, is an ultra-premium, 640-gram aluminum headphone featuring a unique, clamp-free pivoting headband and adjustable magnetic ear pads. It excels with an incredibly expansive soundstage, unparalleled deep bass, and a live-concert feel, making it ideal for electronic and orchestral music. However, the design is polarizing, requiring a...Read more

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audiokeyreviewsca.com
12/10/2022
ABYSS AB1266 PHI TC - REVIEW

The AudioKeyREVIEWS review celebrates the Abyss AB1266 Phi TC as a phenomenal, flagship planar magnetic headphone that successfully bridges the gap between planar and electrostatic performance. The reviewer highlights several major pros, most notably its preternatural quietness, remarkable speed, and an expansive, capacious soundstage that captures the music with pristine, crystal...Read more

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head-fi.org
09/08/2013
Abyss Headphones AB-1266 - Reviews (Italian User Review)

The Abyss AB-1266 on Head-Fi is recognized for its unmatched, speaker-like audio, featuring an expansive soundstage, lightning-fast transient response, and a visceral, tactile bass slam, especially for heavy genres. Its rugged, all-metal modular frame allows for significant customization of the fit and seal, contributing to a unique, industrial design. However, the 640-gram,,...Read more

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hifi.be
08/09/2018
Review Sennheiser HD 820 headphones and HDV 820 headphone amplifier (tested alongside AB-1266)

The Sennheiser HD 820 is a closed-back flagship headphone that successfully retains much of the wide, deep, and spacious soundstage characteristic of its open-back predecessor, the HD 800. Designed with unique concave glass covers over the drivers, it limits internal resonances and distortion to deliver a very clean, fast, and accurate sound signature. Key pros include its...Read more

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hifi.be
21/10/2018
Abyss AB-1266 PHI CC Headphones Aim for the Ultimate", "Abyss AB-1266 PHI CC Headphones Targeting the Ultimate

The Abyss AB-1266 PHI CC is an ultra-high-end planar magnetic headphone retailing for around 5,500 euros that targets the absolute pinnacle of audio performance. It features a unique, bulky, and rigid square "U-shaped" metal frame with a ceramic coating, an unconventional adjustment mechanism via a central screw, and asymmetric lambskin earpads. Weighing a hefty 660 grams, it...Read more

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head-fi.org
16/07/2020
Abyss AB1266 Stand at Headphone Auditions Amsterdam (Impressions)

A user review on Head-Fi describes a custom stand by Headphone Auditions Amsterdam & ROOMS Design for the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC as having excellent build quality, premium weight, and adjustable arms that improve the docking experience. The stand is visually appealing and designed to hold the unique headband frame of the AB-1266, with a key benefit being the rotatable top arms....Read more

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hifi.nl
21/10/2018
Abyss AB-1266 PHI CC Headphones Review: Aiming for the Ultimate

The Abyss AB-1266 PHI CC is an elite planar magnetic headphone priced at approximately €5,500 that delivers a remarkably open and expansive soundstage reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 800 but with a far more natural tonal balance. The review highlights its deeply extended, rich bass response that avoids muddying the midrange, making it an excellent all-rounder that keeps instrument...Read more

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